Tag: Tess Hirst

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I am a London based Iyalosha, crowned with Ochun; who is passionate about the arts
I Grew up in London, mixed background, third generation musician. I went to study music in Cuba in 1986, since then I have done many things. Was one of the first Salsa Dance Teachers in London in 1989, before it became the sport of a million suburban housewives; formed Orchestra Salsa Y Ache in late 80's, toured and did many gigs for seven years; then Salsasonica which recorded with Buena Vista's Guajiro Mirabal. Have taught Cuban Music to children. I have also organised small trips to Cuba in the past before the rise of tourism there. Have written about Latin Music, and I am passionate about singing and encouraging everyone to sing. I formally ran " singing for the terrified" at the Mary Ward Centre, in addition to a world music choir.
I Have been a practitioner of Santeria since 1986. Between the years 1991 and 2005 I received My Elekes, My Warriors and Olokun. In 2005 I received my Ikofafun ( Ifa) and on February 6 2006 I became initiated as a Priestess of Ochun in Luyano, Havana. My Branch of the religion is La Pimienta. I was born from Obatala and Yemaya. Ocha Inle and Omi Laibo are my Iyalorishas. Currently I run and direct the London Lucumi Choir which sings Afro Cuban songs to the Orisha and other Afro-Cuban genres. I have also become a celebrant qualified to perform marriage ceremonies, renewal of vows, baby naming ceremonies and other family based ceremony and ritual.